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The richest people on the planet got even richer in 2012, adding $241 billion to their collective net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s 100 wealthiest individuals.

The aggregate net worth of the world’s top 100 stood at $1.9 trillion at the market close Dec.

Bill Gates in Poland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

31, according to the index. Of the people who appeared on the final ranking of 2012, only 16 registered a net loss for the 12-month period.

“Last year was a great one for the world’s billionaires,” said John Catsimatidis, the billionaire owner of Red Apple Group Inc., in an email written poolside on his BlackBerry in the Bahamas. “In 2013, they will continue looking for investments around the world — and not necessarily in U.S. — that will give them an advantage.”

Amancio Ortega, the Spaniard who founded retailer Inditex, was the year’s biggest gainer. The 76-year-old tycoon’s fortune increased to $57.5 billion, a gain of $22.2 billion, according to the index, as shares of the retailer that operates the Zara clothing chain rose 66.7%.

Carlos Slim Helu, Chairman of Telemax in Mexico was the world’s richest man this year with a net worth of $74 billion. His wealth increased from $53.5 billion last year to $74 billion this year! He holds interests in Saks Fifth Avenue and The New York Times.

Bill Gates (Microsoft) came in at number two this year with a net worth of $54 billion. Gates has already given $30 billion dollars to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation fights hunger and disease world-wide.

Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway) is third on the list with a net worth of $50 billion. Buffett saw his fortune increase by $3 billion over last year.

Bernard Arnault (Louis Vitton) of France is the wealthiest man in Europe. His wealth increased $13.5 billion over last year to $41 billion. Guess those handbags are selling well!

Larry Ellison (Oracle) saw his net wealth jump $11.5 billion to round out the top five at $39.5 billion. Ellison won the America’s Cup in 2010 after spending $100 million to win the yachting competition.